In-LIne Reels

[easyrider25]

Does anyone have any feedback on the in-line style reels for ice fishing? Price seem to vary, have seen 20 to over 100 (Black Betty)for them. Just wondering what people like or do not like about them, and is it worth the money. Also came across a bait casting style reel. I think they have been out for a while but have never used one.

[M1dwestF1sh]

Bought two last year for around $30 so they were cheap ones and I could tell. If I ever get another it would be a high end one because those cheap ones are heartache. But I guess that's how it is with anything.

[Racer5039]

I I got an Eagle claw last yr and really like it. The new one's this yr have a longer drop so there is more room for your hand. I'll be getting more and selling my open face. They are hard to find. Seem to always be sold out. I got the last one Cabelas had in Owatonna Monday.

[luckycrank]

I bought an in line eagle claw yesterday at cabelas , and i never thought id say this but kinda liked fishing with it. However . After just one outing . It doesent reel up .. i am considering an upgrade but i am not sure if i would like a cold aluminum frame in my palm since i fish outdoors usually

[PLfisherman]

If u just use a small barrel swivel on your jigs about two feet up it also eliminates line twists. I use them on everything now including dead stick rod and it helps alot.

[easyrider25]

Thanks for all the info!

[Scott M]

A cheapo plastic schooley does the same thing, meaning no line twist but also no working drag or multiplier on line pickup. I used to take my fly reels out but I kind of like not having to monkey with switching out lines and taking them out of my fly fishing 'stuff.' I also got burned when I accidentally left a really nice fly reel and Thorne Bros rod on the ice.

Schooley

Eagle Claw inline (I really like these for the price)

Clam Spooler (last years model, cheap)

Clam Spooler Elite (this years model, 2.3:1 with a good drag)

Eagle Claw Inline Premium (better pickup and drag)

13 Fishing Black Betty, BB 6061, Teardrop - haven't used them but people really like them. Not sure I can commmit a hondo to an line yet. And that's coming from a guy with some expensive custom ice rods!

Frabill has some inline reels but I havne't used them.

Good luck. If you don't have an application for shallow stream trout or bluegill, you may not opt for these reels as a regular spinning reel will do you for about anything else. 'Gills and trout can be really finicky and hate to watch jigs spin. As always, pull your line out to start to eliminate coils and twist, or use a good swivel if you can get away with it.

[Hookey]

I have been using the mini baitcaster reels for many seasons ice fishing.

They allow me to use extremely light line and provide me infinite and instant control of the drag.

There is no drag setting to worry about as your thumb applies all the drag you feel is required to land the fish .

These reels are mounted on top of the rod and the guides face up rather than down.

Nothing is more frustrating than a drag set too light to set a hook or too tight and breaks the line.

To lower the bait you have to keep the thumb on the spool and strip line as it is not a free fall so it is a bit slower than spin cast but much more fun to fish.

Not sure I see a value in the expensive inlines they sell.

Try a cheap mini baitcaster for less than 20 bucks you can't beat it !